MINUTES
EASTHAM BOARD OF HEALTH WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2014 AT 9:00AM
Present: Dr. Joanna Buffington, Dr. Martin Haspel, Dr. James Taylor, Chair, Jane Crowley, Susan Barker
Absent: Beverly Knox, Glenn Olson
I.
OPENING STATEMENTS
The March 31, 2014 public hearing was well attended and the questions raised were specific to the system rather the need for municipal water. The meeting was neither positive or negative, but rather focused on the issue and what needs to be done to address it.
II.
LANDFILL
Jane Crowley provided the following updates:
The hard copy of the first quarterly report has been received and is available for review at the Town Hall and the Library
Jane provided a handout re the IRAP & LMP 1st Qrtly report to the BOH FYI
The Carbon pilot results show promise but more data is needed. The carbon filters are removed and recharged on a schedule. We are looking for more properties to test the system on to gain more data. The testing methodology for 1,4 Dioxane has been changed to be able to detect at a lower level. Eastham currently has the largest environmental study in the country! It is also unique as the landfill is up gradient of residential property. The reporting limit for 1,4 Dioxane will potentially change to 0.15 ug/L. New anticipated regulatory limit of 0.3 ug/L
III.
RENTAL INSPECTION PROCESS
Susan Barker reviewed the program and process:
Initiated in 2009
830 inspections conducted since then
Inspections done at 3 points:
o First time rental
o Renewal rentals every 3 years in line with the WQMP schedule
o Receipt of complaint by tenant neighbors
On record, Eastham has 1100 rental properties
Inspections increase during the spring and summer months
The inspection follows the requirements outlined in the state housing code. Each concern found has a specific timeframe to repair or update:
o Non working or missing Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – 24 hours
o Non labeled electrical panel – 24 hours
o Non functioning doors and windows – 30 days
Occupancy limits are set by the design of the septic system AND the size of any room that meets the definition of a bedroom
o 70 sq ft is 1 person
o 100 sq ft is 2 people
Does not define cleanliness as that can be subjective but does check for evidence of rodents and for public safety and health issues
Susan inspects for bed bugs and uses it as an opportunity to educate the homeowner on what to look for themselves. Susan is not a licensed inspector of bed bugs but she has a strong working knowledge of them and will refer the homeowner to an expert if they find evidence of any. During the inspection, Susan will note any improvements that could be made based on the new code, such as ground fault electric outlets by the kitchen and bathroom sinks. These are not a violation just an informational note to the homeowner. Lead paint – this will only be checked and noted if the paint is chipping
IV.
OTHER BUSINESS
Dr. James Taylor noted that we should review the BOH regulation regarding the definition of a bedroom. It was noted that the Assessor’s records and the Health Department do not match in all situations. Jane provided everyone with a copy of the current regulations and all agreed that this should be an item for a future workshop.
Jane Crowley advised that there is a new program available for free tick testing. Eastham will have 100 free tests available to us and the program is to identify the diseases that ticks in various areas are carrying.
Jane Crowley updated the BOH regarding the variance review at the March 27, 2014 BOH meeting for 34 Bayberry Lane. East Cape Engineering has revised the septic plan to include secondary treatment and Jane has signed off on it.
For Nitrate testing – can we identify those properties that have treatment systems to reduce nitrates or not so that we can review the results based on this information? Jane confirmed that only a Reverse Osmosis system would affect the nitrate levels.
V.
ADJOURN
Dr. Martin Haspel made the motion to adjourn at 10:30AM
Dr. Joanna Buffington seconded the motion.
SO VOTED UNAMIMOUSLY
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